Man arrested and charged just because he sent a birthday card

COURT REPORTER

A 25-year-old Chesterfield man was arrested, charged and ordered to appear at court -- all because he sent a birthday card.

William Brewer, of Chapel Street, Brimington, sent the card to his former girlfriend, Tessa Hipkiss, at her home on Burlington Road, Carlton, Nottingham on Friday, November 6 last year.

But by doing so, he breached a restraining order, imposed at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court 12 months earlier, banning him from making any contact with Miss Hipkiss, who was his partner for four-and-a-half years.

Brewer also broke the terms of the order by sending her text messages between Thursday, October 1 and Friday, January 15 this year, and he was due back at the Nottingham court after indicating pleas of guilty to the two charges.

However, his case had to be adjourned, even though a pre-sentence report had been prepared on him by probation officers.

His solicitor, Tim Holder, mitigating, explained that Brewer had been having problems and asked Deputy District Judge Elizabeth Harte to delay his fate.

“In the past, he has been sectioned and he has also struggled to manage his finances. He is currently living at the Brockhill Court hostel after being threatened with eviction until he settles his outstanding rent.

“I have spoken to his mother, and it is clear he is vulnerable. However, he has co-operated with the probation service.”

Deputy District Judge Harte agreed to put the case back to Friday, March 4. But she warned that if Brewer, who has also been assessed for his dependency on drugs, does not turn up on that day, “an instant warrant for his arrest will be issued”.